National
Udenta urges Tinubu to mitigate more violent protests with critical economic changes
***Reduce food prices, inflation, make PMS affordable
***Reshuffle Cabinet to involve opposition figures
President Bola Tinubu should expect more hunger protests higher in intensity and range than the just concluded ones unless significant economic changes occur, such as reducing food prices and inflation the founding National Secretary of Alliance for Democracy (AD), Professor Udenta O. Udenra has advised.
He gave the indication in a statement he issued in Abuja on Thursday that highlighted three critical national issues: the End-Hunger Protests, the overall State of the Nation, and Hon Yakubu Dogara’s controversial remarks that could incite violence.
He further adviced the president to reverse Naira depreciation and to make the prices of petroleum products to be within the reach of the people
Hereiterated the fact that widespread hunger and poverty are pervasive across Nigerian society, affecting nearly all but a small elite.
Udenra acknowledged that while President Bola Tinubu has recognized the people’s struggles, unless action is taken, social instability and mass mobilization will continue.
“President Bola Tinubu’s national broadest may not have met the expectations of large segments of society but give him credit for admitting that the people are hurting and he hears their cry, loud and clear. “But so long as they continue to cry with no end in sight expect social instability, mass mobilization, regime demonization and national fault lines tearing apart rapidly, no matter the forces that are deployed to contain them.
“As the saying goes, he or she who is already on the ground indeed fears no fall.”
He stated that peaceful protests are a constitutional right and essential for democracy, but organizers must ensure that their actions remain civil and non-violent.
He also addressed the notable absence of the Igbo community in the recent protests, suggesting that their historical experiences and fears of harsher treatment have led to their non-participation.
He called for dialogue to reintegrate the Igbo into national discussions about the country’s future.
Udenra concluded that without addressing the underlying political issues, economic solutions would be ineffective.
He posited that until the political framework improves, the economic challenges will persist, criticizing Tinubu’s government for its failure in this regard.
The current state of the nation is characterized by economic difficulties, widespread hunger, and high levels of poverty, attributed to the Bola Tinubu administration’s inability to effectively manage the political landscape.
He said, there is a noticeable lack of consensus among the political elite, leading to a weakened power base for Tinubu compared to his initial ascent to power.
“His attempts to implement policy reforms without engaging political elites are seen as a significant miscalculation, as these policies fail to gain traction without their support.
To rectify the situation, he suggested that President Tinubu convene a meeting with prominent political figures, including opposition from other parties, to foster cooperation and rebuild trust.
Additionally, he asked the President to consider restructuring his cabinet to include opposition members and establish a council focusing on civil society relations.
Implementing these recommendations, Udenta said, could help create a more cohesive political environment and enhance the effectiveness of governance in addressing the nation’s challenges.
He also recommended engaging with key civil society leaders to ensure their concerns are integrated into government policies.
The statement discussed the troubling language and divisive rhetoric employed by Hon Dogara, a former Speaker of the House, particularly in his remarks against Gov Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.
Undenta warned the political class about the implications of their words during a time of political division, stating that such language contributes to societal unrest.
He criticized Dogara for using offensive terms and for claiming that President Bola Tinubu influenced the judiciary to favor Gov Mohammed. This accusation is deemed reckless, especially in a fragile democracy.
He also expressed concern about the broader political climate in Nigeria, highlighting issues of misgovernance, poverty, insecurity, and a lack of trust in political leaders.
He called for genuine responsiveness from the government to the needs of the people and urged Nigerian Patriots to stay vigilant, emphasizing the need for constructive discourse rather than hate-filled rhetoric.
National
Concerned Religious Prayer Forum Responds to Criticism of National Prayer Initiative
The Concerned Religious Prayer Forum has issued a statement clarifying its mission and responding to recent criticisms surrounding its seven-day national prayer initiative.
Established as a non-governmental organization on January 9, 2024, the Forum emphasizes that it is an independent group composed of citizens motivated by a shared desire to promote peace, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria.
The initiative has drawn scrutiny, particularly due to its involvement of high-profile figures, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, as leaders of the prayer effort.
In the statement, Director General, Chief Segun Balogun Afolorunikan of the Forum reiterated that the prayer campaign is not government-driven or politically motivated, but rather a spiritual call for Nigerians to come together and seek divine intervention for the country’s challenges.
The Forum stated that it was not seeking political endorsement but instead believed that the involvement of such respected figures would inspire broader national participation.
Citing religious scriptures, the Forum stressed the role of prayer in supporting and strengthening efforts for national progress.
The Bible, according to 2 Chronicles 7:14, encourages prayer as a means of healing and unity: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face… then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Similarly, the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186) reminds believers that “I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.”
The Forum further addressed critics who questioned the efficacy of prayer in resolving the nation’s issues, insisting that divine intervention does not replace the need for diligent work but complements the efforts of the people. “This initiative is not about replacing hard work but about seeking spiritual guidance and collective unity to overcome the challenges facing the nation,” the statement read.
Encouraging all citizens and leaders to support the prayer initiative, the Forum called for unity in Nigeria’s pursuit of peace and prosperity. It urged Nigerians to set aside differences and work together in both practical and spiritual ways to help heal and build the nation.
The Concerned Religious Prayer Forum concluded its statement by inviting Nigerians to join in prayer, stating, “As we strive for national progress, prayer continues to serve as a catalyst for peace, growth, and development in Nigeria.”
National
Northern Senators applauds Tinubu’s Order to Release Detained Minors
***Emphasize Need for Youth Welfare
The Northern Senators Forum, led by Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive action in ordering the release of minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The forum expressed appreciation for Tinubu’s directive to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to expedite the release, calling it a demonstration of the President’s commitment to youth welfare and justice.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to the National Update, Yar’adua acknowledged the President’s leadership in addressing this sensitive issue, emphasizing that Tinubu’s prompt response reflects his dedication to safeguarding the rights of young Nigerians.
“This decision demonstrates the President’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of our youth,” Yar’adua stated, commending Tinubu for prioritizing the release of the minors held in detention.
Yar’adua also praised Northern leaders who have been actively advocating for the minors’ release, crediting their persistent efforts with bringing the issue to national attention and ensuring fair treatment for the young detainees. He noted that their advocacy was instrumental in prompting a rapid response from the federal government.
As part of the forum’s statement, Yar’adua called on Northern leaders to continue prioritizing youth welfare and development. He emphasized that creating a safe and supportive environment for young people is essential for fostering Nigeria’s growth and stability.
“It is essential that we create an environment where our children can grow and thrive, free from harm and exploitation,” he said. “Our youth need the support and resources to become active contributors to Nigeria’s development.”
The Northern Senators Forum reaffirmed its commitment to policies that protect and promote youth welfare and urged a nationwide focus on youth education and safety. Yar’adua concluded the statement with a call for cooperation among all levels of government and communities, stressing the importance of investing in the nation’s youth for a more prosperous future.
National
Timi Frank commends Tinubu over release of detained Minors
***Calls for Compensation, Justice
In a recent development, Comrade Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has publicly praised President Bola Tinubu’s directive to release minors detained for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Frank called the move a “step in the right direction” and urged the government to do more to address the broader concerns of Nigerians who have faced repercussions for protesting against government policies.
In a statement from Abuja, Frank acknowledged Tinubu’s past involvement in activism, recalling the President’s role in protests, including during Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement and the 2012 demonstrations against the removal of fuel subsidies by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He encouraged Tinubu to extend the recent release order to all detainees held for expressing opposition to government policies, framing this as an alignment with Tinubu’s own history of activism.
Frank did not stop at calling for the release of detainees; he also urged the President to reconsider recent economic policies, such as the floating of the naira and removal of fuel subsidies, which he argued have contributed to widespread economic hardship.
“We commend the President for taking this positive step,” Frank said. “However, we urge him to reconsider the policies that are exacerbating the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.”
The activist also called on the Federal Government to compensate the released minors, arguing that they suffered “violations of their fundamental human rights” and endured “dehumanizing” conditions during their months-long detention without trial.
Frank proposed financial support for the minors and their families, as well as scholarships and psychological counseling to help them recover from the trauma of their detention.
Frank’s statement emphasized the need for accountability, urging the President to launch a probe into why these minors were held for over 90 days without prompt intervention from the intelligence community.
He specifically called for investigations into the roles of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Police Commissioners of Kano and Kaduna states, where the minors were detained.
He warned against any attempt to “sweep the probe under the rug” and pledged to monitor the situation to ensure public transparency.
“This probe must be thorough, and officers found complicit should be held accountable,” he said. Frank emphasized that this is necessary to restore public confidence in law enforcement and ensure such detentions do not recur.
He further appealed for government intervention to ease the reentry of the minors into society, suggesting reputable boarding schools and the assistance of professional counselors to help them overcome the distress of their experiences.
“By taking these steps, we can heal past wounds and work towards a more compassionate society for all Nigerians,” Frank concluded.
Frank, who also serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, has previously expressed support for policies he views as beneficial to Nigerians while holding the government accountable on issues of rights and governance. His recent remarks signal a continuing commitment to advocating for the protection and welfare of young Nigerians, particularly those impacted by political or social issues.
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